The undersigned residents, property owners, and stakeholders of Woonsocket are calling for the removal of Ted J. Isabella as Building Official due to an ongoing pattern of unprofessional conduct, aggressive enforcement practices, and a failure to exercise reasonable discretion in the administration of building codes and permits. As documented through direct communications and public statements, Mr. Isabella has adopted an inflexible, punitive approach to enforcement that prioritizes fines and penalties over compliance, education, and cooperation.

Recent changes to the City’s permit penalty structure—including a sudden increase to a $500 fine for work performed without a permit—were implemented without adequate public notice or outreach, leaving many responsible property owners unaware of the change until after enforcement actions were taken. Requests for leniency, clarification, or good-faith accommodation have been met with dismissive and inflammatory responses, including statements asserting that property owners “should have known better,” rather than constructive guidance or partnership.

Woonsocket is a city where the majority of housing stock consists of rental properties, and landlords play a critical role in housing families, maintaining aging buildings, and contributing millions of dollars in tax revenue and reinvestment into the local economy. Effective code enforcement requires professionalism, consistency, and mutual respect—not fear, intimidation, or arbitrary decision-making. Numerous property owners have reported excessive delays in inspections, prolonged permit approval timelines, unequal enforcement, and a general climate in which landlords feel discouraged from investing further in the City. Contractors and vendors have expressed how they no longer are accepting jobs or projects in the City based on their knowledge of Mr. Isabella being in charge.

This petition does not challenge the importance of building codes or public safety; rather, it calls for leadership that understands both the regulatory role of the City and the practical realities of housing providers. Woonsocket deserves a Building Official who enforces the law fairly, communicates respectfully, and works collaboratively to improve housing conditions—not one whose conduct undermines trust, investment, and the City’s long-term economic health.